Hailed as "The Best Elvis Impersonator There Ever Was" by the Dallas Morning News on August 16, 2007(Guide Live).

Johnny Harra was the first of the national "Elvis" impersonators, and paved the road for the hundreds of other impersonators performing "Elvis" today. He's been hailed as the forerunner of tribute artists around the world.

The magic of "The King" still lives on through the musical stylings of Johnny Harra. Seeing him in concert is the closest some generations will ever come to experiencing the magic "Elvis" conveyed to his audiences. Some say "Elvis's" spirit lives on in Johnny. Ever since Johnny was 11 years old people noticed his uncanny resemblance to "Elvis Presley", from the face, lips, and hair to his voice and mannerisms.

Their upbringing and roots were almost identical too. Johnny's mother, Naomi, strongly resembles "Elvis's" mother, Gladys, and his daughter, Lisa Marie, looks so much like "Elvis's" daughter that the National Enquirer accidentally switched their pictures in one article. With so much in common it is no surprise that Johnny has paid tribute to "Elvis" by emulating his music for over 40 years now.

Johnny Harra began touring the American Southwest and Europe to standing-room only crowds. Immediately after the death of Elvis Presley, Johnny's show at the Gigis Club in Holiday Inn(DFW Airport) started selling out. On August 28, 1977, Johnny Harra was contracted to headline the KBOX radio station music festival at the Cotton Bowl to a crowd of 20,000 fans!

Randall Stewart, 50, of Dallas, worked as a roadie at the festival, which featured a laid-back country lineup of artists such as Rex Allen Jr. and the Side of the Road Gang. Randall says, "nobody was prepared for the crowd's reaction to Johnny Harra". "Everything was cool, I didn't anticipate any real big deal," Randall said. "But when Johnny came out, I'd never seen anything like it." A small riot occurred among the women in the audience over a scarf he threw.

When he helped open Red Bird Mall in Dallas, he set a record for attendance with an estimated 200,000 people.

Johnny Harra was chosen to headline the Continental Theater for the Silver Bird Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Night after night he played to sold out audiences with his amazing "Profiles of Presley" show. The success there lead to an exclusive three year/six million dollar contract with the Silver Bird in 1978.

Johnny Harra's band conductor was "Elvis's" own Bobby Morris, who conducted for Presley from 1969-1973.

Johnny Harra was cast as the 42 year old "Elvis" in the 1981 docudrama "This Is Elvis" - Warner released the movie on dvd on August 10, 2007. This movie is the only movie sanctioned by the Elvis Presley estate. Johnny was one of 5 actors to portray "Elvis" in the movie. The filming took place inside Graceland and acting the death scene was very stressful on Johnny. For the movie, Johnny was told he had to gain 42 pounds in three months to play the part, so he ate lots of pies. He lost the weight after the movie, but it came back with a vengeance, and he still struggles with it.

Johnny Harra has been featured in many newspapers and magazines, and on national TV shows like Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson and Dick Clark. Johnny has traveled internationally performing his "Profiles of Presley" show.

Johnny Harra took a long break to focus on family and raise his daughter Lisa Marie. Now he's back to captivate you and your guests with his charisma, stage presence, and great singing ability. After 40 years of performing "Elvis" Johnny can perform almost every "Elvis" song ever put out! Johnny carries a library of over 400 "Elvis" songs to every event. Johnny does accommodate requests! Johnny can be hired as a solo artist, with his band, or with his DJ. Johnny will work with your budget, just let Johnny know what your specific need is!

When you hire Johnny Harra for your special events, you are not only hiring an "Elvis" impersonator, you are bringing a LEGEND to your party!

Johnny Harra is just like "Elvis" would be today!

Past Appearances:

August 16, 1977 -- Holiday Inn, Gigis Club, Dallas Fort Worth Airport

August 29, 1977 -- Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas to a crowd of over 20,000

October 18, 1977 -- National Examiner, "The closest facsimile they could get to their rock idol, Elvis Presley"

March 21, 1978 -- The Star, "This one's daughter is a look-a-like too." Johnny Harra is not just another Presley impersonator -- his looks, life and family bear a stunning resemblance to the late rock superstar.

1979 -- Merv Griffin Show

July 1979 -- The Hot Times, Elvis' Lookalike: Johnny Harra

July 25, 1980 -- Las Vegas Mirror Spotlight, "Elvis is gone and yet lives." "There are several individuals who keep The King's memory alive, his voice, his moves, his songs and on top is Johnny Harra!

March 10, 1981 -- Dallas Morning News, "Elvis Clone Has Double Trouble" Frisco, Texas -- Johnny Harra looks so much like his idol that people constantly stare at him in amazement and wonder "Can that be Elvis?"

February 25, 1982 -- Red Bird Mall, Concert, an estimated 200,000 customers visited the Mall during the 3 day event which generated in excess of $73,000.00 in free publicity in Dallas.

*August 10, 2007 Warner released "This Is Elvis" on dvd in a 2-disc Special Edition.

*August 16, 2007 Hailed as "The Best Elvis Impersonator There Ever Was"

*Promoted as BEST "Elvis" impersonator by: Dick Clark, Burt Reynolds and the Jordanaires (Elvis's back-up singers) for the purpose of "This Is Elvis" Movie.

*Johnny Portrayed "Elvis" in the movie: "This Is Elvis"

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Anniversary Party

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Johnny Harra is unbelievable!
Everyone at the party thought it was "Elvis Presley". This is no joke or gimmick he surpasses an impersonator. He is a natural! He naturally sounds, looks, and sings like "Elvis". He gave us a copy of his scrap book it is incredible. Johnny has done so many shows and with big stars like Roy Orbison, The Coasters, Brenda Lee, Tommy James and the Shondells, Wayne Newton, and many others not mentioned, everyone of my friends were so impressed.
If you are looked for a world class act, Johnny Harra is the guy.
I recommend Johnny Harra for any of your events. This guy is a true legend and he has the credentials to prove it.
Candy

(more)Review by Candy P.
from Dallas, TX on
9/24/2007

Birthday Party (Adult)

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Johnny was a very nice man, but I was very disappointed that he didn't actually sing. He lip-synced every song. He also didn't move around alot of interact with the crowd as much as I had hoped; evidentally because he didn't want people to notice he wasn't singing. His DJ was also very unprofessional and threatened to leave our event several times when she didn't approve of OUR DJ's equipment. Overall it was a very awkward situation and we had them wrap up their performance earlier than orignally booked because we were not pleased. I would not recommend Johnny Harra and his team to anyone....It would probably be best if he retired.

(more)Review by Sarah K.
from Fort Worth, TX on
10/13/2007

Johnny Harra’s Response:

We are four witnesses at the October 13 party! What we saw was everyone dancing and having a good time! We danced and had a good time! We saw people "FLOCKING" up to Johnny and praising him and asking him for requests! Johnny was singing up a storm and fullfilled "MANY" requests and sang some songs over because the people keep asking for them! We are surprised that Sarah said he wasn't singing! Johnny sang every song! Johnny gave out bears, scarves, pictures, flower lace,cds. WE DID NOTICE SARAH'S DJ, HE WOULD NOT LET THE SOUND PERSON SET-UP, HE MADE IT CLEAR TO THEM THAT HE DIDN'T WANT ANOTHER DJ OR JOHNNY THERE!
MAYBE HE STARTED A RUMOR AND SARAH BELIEVED